Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Tahiti, PONANT invites you to embark on a 10-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.

The first stop on this trip: the Tuamotus. A gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, Rangiroa is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs.

You will then head westward to discover some of the jewels that make up the Society Islands: authentic and wild Huahine, Raiata with its vanilla plantations and mountain peaks, Motu Ceran, a picture-postcard of paradise, butalso Bora Bora and its unmistakable volcanic silhouette.

Before disembarking in Papeete, feast your eyes on the incomparable beauty of Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks.

Highlights

Set sail for a cruise 100% Polynesia and discover islands regarded as the most beautiful in the world.

Discover Polynesia’s culture and traditions.

Enjoy white sand beaches and swimming in the calm, clear waters of this archipelago.

A number of excursions are possible from Moorea: outings and photo safari through the deep valleys and the pineapple plantations, panoramic view from the scenic lookout, dolphin watching, discovery of Polynesia’s traditional way of life and customs…

Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

LE SOLEAL

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design

With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

Port of call & excursions

Papeete, Tahiti Island

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

14 May 2021 – Mataiva, Tuamotu Islands

15 May 2021 – Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

16 May 2021 – Huahine, Society Islands

Arrival 16/05/2021 midday. Departure 16/05/2021 evening.

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

17 May 2021 – Raiatea, Society Islands

Arrival 17/05/2021 early morning. Departure 17/05/2021 late evening.

A volcanic island located halfway between Huahine and Bora-Bora, Raiatea is like the mother of Polynesia. It was on its rocky flanks that the oldest traces of local habitation were found. According to legend, it was even the cradle of the gods... You can admire several sites that bear witness to this past, including the first Polynesian holy site, the Te P? religious centre, including the marae Taputapuatea, a sort of altar made of stone and coral. Although beaches are rare on Raiatea, here nature is totally captivating, and the coral islets offer myriads of ravishing creeks.

18 May 2021 – Sailing around Tahaa Island

Arrival 18/05/2021. Departure 18/05/2021.

18 May 2021 – Motu Ceran, Society Islands

Arrival 18/05/2021 mid morning. Departure 18/05/2021 early evening.

Located off the island of Tahaa, in the Leeward Islands, Motu Ceran is a small desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This small surface of emerged land is a real paradise. The décor of this little island, its coconut plantations and its beaches surrounded by a marvellous coral garden are a treat for the eyes. Don’t hesitate to devote yourself to the joys of swimming or pure relaxation. An enchanted interlude in a unique setting.

19 May 2021▸20 May 2021 – Bora Bora, Society Islands

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

21 May 2021 – Moorea Island

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

21 May 2021 – Papeete, Tahiti Island

Arrival 21/05/2021 evening. Departure 21/05/2021.

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Papeete, Tahiti Island

Disembarkation 22/05/2021 at 08H00 .

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

USA: Should your flight transit via the USA, a visa or ESTA may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. Kindly print out a copy of your ESTA and keep it with your passport.

In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving

Fauna and flora of the Pacific Ocean

The fauna of the Pacific Sea is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, raccoon butterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.

Supervision of the dives

Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

Level required for scuba diving on this cruise

The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.

Process of the dives (certified divers)

The instructor can dive with 4 certified divers at a time. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:

For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.

If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

Process of the initiation dives (beginners)

Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.

Duration of the dives

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.

Supplied equipment

Diving wetsuit

Stabilising jacket

Fins, mask and snorkel

Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge

Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)

Scuba diving activities on this cruise

PORTS OF CALL

DIVES

(for certified divers)

DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING

(for beginners)

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Mataiva

YES

NO

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Rangiroa

YES

NO

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Huahine

YES

NO

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Raiatea

YES

NO

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Motu Ceran

YES

YES

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Bora Bora

YES

YES

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Bora bora

YES

YES

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Moorea

YES

YES

FRENCH POLYNESIA – Papeete

NO

NO

These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending of weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.